Which Filter Is Better?

[ATK!!!]

Recently I've been wondering which of these two filters is truly better for a 180l tank:
A Fluval 305
A Tetratec ex700/ex1200

I know that they are not equally matched in terms of lph but all I want to know is which is better at being the most quietest, well built filter. Seeing as they will literally be going next to my head I would like them to be as silent as possible but at the same time still fitting in a normal Juwel 180 cabinet.

So, which is better and why. I don't mind if you haven't experienced both of them or have only experienced similar models, I just want your opinion on them and any things (bad or good) that have happened to you with them.

 

[StandbySetting]

From experience the Tetratec's are built to a higher standard, where I used to work we stocked Fluval and Tetratec filters, the 05 range was popular but we had many returns due to leaks, I don't ever recall having to deal with a Tetratec return, but it is worth noting that they do have flimsy taps so be careful, other than that I can't fault Tetratec filters.

 

[fishguy2727]

We don't have the TetraTec but it looks like the Marineland C-series. I would definitely go with the Fluval. I use them (have for almost fifteen years) and sell them all the time. No major issues (especially with the 05 series). My guess is either the Fluvals over there are slightly different than the ones over here or any leaks were user error.

 

[ATK!!!]

Well thats good to know. The annoying thing is that the Tetratec is quite a bit more pricey... I think the ex1200 is about £90 whilst the Fluval is £75. I guess you do get more lph though. Which would you say is quieter and how loud are they?

 

[StandbySetting]

I've found that it varies from filter to filter, but both are pretty quiet, my TT is at the foot of my bed and I can't hear it when trying to sleep.

 

[Harlequins]

I've never owned a fluval,but do have 3 tetratec filters ex600,700 & the 1200,nice quiet filters,(and touch wood) hasn't let me down in the few years i've had them

 

[fishguy2727]

I had to touch my Fluval FX5 to know it was on.

 

[KISSfn]

I had to touch my Fluval FX5 to know it was on.

Same here. I occasionally touch my Eheims to know they're running!

 

[Gelt]

Can't hear my 305 unless the cabinet door is open, I keep looking at the water ripples from the outlet , then I know it's working..!

 

[ATK!!!]

Does anyone know the size of the space in a Juwel cabinet for putting the filter in? That would be very helpful.

 

[ZoddyZod]

Does anyone know the size of the space in a Juwel cabinet for putting the filter in? That would be very helpful.

do you already own the cabinet? If so, measure the cupboards. The dimensions of both filters can be easily found via google.

I would take a guess that both would fit in the cupboard space of a Juwel 180

 

[ATK!!!]

I don't own the cabinet yet so thats why I was wondering if anyone knew. They probably will fit but I just want to know if I can get anything else in there with them or not. The measurements of a Tetratec ex1200 are 50/25/26cm apparently and the Fluval is 41/37/19.5cm.

 

[ZoddyZod]

I don't own the cabinet yet so thats why I was wondering if anyone knew. They probably will fit but I just want to know if I can get anything else in there with them or not. The measurements of a Tetratec ex1200 are 50/25/26cm apparently and the Fluval is 41/37/19.5cm.

if it's an eBay purchase....ask the seller to measure them, if you are buying new then the shop/website should know.

 

[Tizer]

I've just purchased 2 x Tetratec EX1200's so they better be bloody quiet :>

Should be here tomorrow, once setup i should be able to comment, having the 305 already setup and running at home. (Which i think is a great little filter by the way)

Two reason for trying the Tetratec's were cost and i wanted to get away from the ribbed hosing the Fluvals use, i hate it.

 

[ATK!!!]

Yea I dont like the idea of it either! Where did you get yours from? In my lfs they are selling it for £200 so I'll defo get it online!!!